GNA Editor Honored with 2025 Schmidt Science Journalism Prize

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GNA Editor Honored with 2025 Schmidt Science Journalism Prize

Recognition of Excellence in Science Communication

Mr. Albert Oppong-Ansah, an Editor with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), has been honored as a recipient of the 2025 Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications. This prestigious international award, presented in collaboration with the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, celebrates individuals and teams who excel in making science accessible, engaging, and impactful for broad audiences.

Mr. Oppong-Ansah, who leads the Environment, Science, Energy, and Agriculture Desk at the GNA, was recognized for his exceptional storytelling that connects scientific research, environmental policy, and human experiences. His work has placed him among a distinguished group of global science communicators dedicated to bridging the gap between science and society.

Notable Contributions to Science Communication

Among his most notable recent works is the investigative feature titled “Air pollution in slums sickening children; harming brain development.” This piece revealed how toxic air in urban informal settlements exposes children to long-term respiratory and cognitive harm, drawing attention to Ghana’s weak urban air quality monitoring systems. The article shed light on the urgent need for improved policies to protect vulnerable populations.

Another significant contribution is the story titled “Ghana’s old polluting cars are ‘killing people silently’ – experts.” This report unpacked scientific findings on vehicular emissions, linking poor transport policy and aging fleets to rising respiratory illnesses and premature deaths, particularly in Accra. Through this work, Mr. Oppong-Ansah demonstrated his ability to translate complex environmental data into compelling human stories that inspire dialogue and policy reflection.

Perspectives from Award Committee and Leaders

As chair of the selection committee, Megan L. Ranney, a member of the National Academy of Medicine and dean of the Yale School of Public Health, expressed her excitement about this year’s honorees. She emphasized the importance of creativity and clarity in making science, engineering, and medicine tangible for people everywhere. These outstanding communicators remind us that knowledge becomes powerful when it is shared, and by reaching across disciplines, mediums, and communities, they inform and inspire.

Marcia McNutt, President of the National Academy of Sciences, highlighted the role of science in offering hope for a better future. She stressed the importance of inviting as many people as possible into science to fully reap the benefits of discovery and innovation. The award winners are meeting diverse audiences where they are and empowering them to make informed decisions for themselves and their communities.

Wendy Schmidt, co-founder of Schmidt Sciences, noted the critical role of science communication in distinguishing between understanding and incomprehension, misinformation and truth, and in matters of health, between life and death. She emphasized the importance of supporting insightful, dogged storytellers like today’s winners in their efforts to lead us toward knowledge and the power that comes with it.

Personal Reflections and Gratitude

Mr. Oppong-Ansah described the new honor as a recognition not only of his personal work but also of the growing role of African journalists in promoting science and environmental literacy. He expressed gratitude to the management of the Ghana News Agency, New Narratives, Afri-SET, his mentors, collaborators, and scientists whose openness and expertise have supported his storytelling journey.

He emphasized that this award is a huge encouragement for all journalists in Ghana and Africa who work tirelessly to make science and environment reporting matter to the public. It reminds us that science communication can change how societies think, act, and plan for a better future.

About the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards

The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards, part of the Schmidt Futures initiative, honor exceptional communicators who use evidence-based storytelling to expand public understanding of science and its relevance to everyday life. The awards celebrate those who bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and public comprehension, ensuring that the benefits of science reach all corners of society.


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